Tomorrow, Illinois takes on Alabama at the United Center in Chicago in what promises to be one of the most electric non-conference showdowns of the season. The Illini bring their gritty defense and veteran leadership to the big stage, while the Crimson Tide roll in with high-powered scoring and up-tempo energy.

We’ll break down the key players, matchups to watch, and what each team needs to do to walk out of Chicago with a statement win.

Make sure to leave a five star rating and subscribe to this podcast for more takes on Illinois Basketball the rest of the season!

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FOLLOW ME ON TWITTER: https://x.com/cody_illiniA huge non-conference win for the Illini! No. 14 Illinois took down No. 11 Texas Tech 81-77 in a nail-biter. Andrej Stojaković exploded for 23 points and sealed the win with a block on a potential tying three-pointer in the final seconds. Kylan Boswell chipped in 22 points, helping take the momentum and push Illinois when it mattered most. Illinois jumped out early with a 45-32 halftime lead. Texas Tech stormed back in the second half, cutting it close, but Illinois held on. This win is a statement for Illinois — showing they can close out tight games and beat ranked opponents at home. For Stojaković, it’s a breakout two-way performance and a welcoming to Illini Nation. For Boswell, a veteran guard stepping up big in the clutch and showing that Year 2 at Illinois can be even better than last season.Tune in with Cody Delmendo as he reacts to the win and asks the question - is Illinois now a Top 5 team in college basketball after this win without Tomislav Ivisic, Mihailo Petrovic, Brandon Lee, and Ty Rodgers?SUPPORT CODY: https://linktr.ee/cody_cubs

FOLLOW ME ON TWITTERhttps://x.com/cody_illiniIn a dominant performance, the No. 17 Illinois Fighting Illini blitzed Florida Gulf Coast 113-70, marking their second straight 100-point outing to start the season. Guard Kylan Boswell exploded with a career-high 31 points plus 10 rebounds.Freshman stepped up AGAIN: David Mirkovic tallied 17 points and 11 rebounds, and Keaton Wagler added 22 points and 7 rebounds.Meanwhile, key center Tomislav Ivisic was out with a knee injury sustained in practice and did not suit up for this game. How long can Illinois survive without him? Ivisic brings size, rim protection, and rebounding — all traits that are harder to replicate when he’s off the floor. Depth may be tested: if he’s out for more than a few games, fatigue, match-up issues, and defensive rebounding could become bigger problems.Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and hit the notification bell so you don’t miss our breakdowns of Illinois’ upcoming matchups and any health updates on Ivisic. SUPPORT CODY: https://linktr.ee/cody_cubs

SUBSCRIBE ON AUDIO: https://linktr.ee/cody_cubsFOLLOW ME ON TWITTER: https://x.com/cody_illiniIn this edition of From Beyond Champaign, Cody dives into the season opener at the State Farm Center where freshman David Mirkovic wasted no time building off his exhibition performance against Illinois State. Mirkovic dropped 19 points, hauled in 14 rebounds, and added 4 assists in his Illinois debut. His two early 3-pointers helped spark Illinois’s early surge, and his double-double, which was recorded in the first half, was the first by an Illini freshman in their debut since Kofi Cockburn in 2019. Freshman Keaton Wagler also stepped into the spotlight. He contributed 18 points, 5 rebounds, and 4 assists, while shooting 8-for-10 from the free-throw line, showing poise and scoring ability right away.The Illini hit 17 three-pointers in the game and out-rebounded Jackson State 61-19. For a freshman pair, Mirkovic and Wagler, to start together in the season opener is a strong signal of the team’s depth and trust in its newcomers. The Fighting Illini put on a statement performance, downing Jackson State 113-55.Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more breakdowns of Illini basketball and Big Ten action!

Eariler this week, international guard Mihailo Petrovic was officially cleared by the NCAA and will suit up for Illinois Basketball in 2025-26. Petrovic brings pro experience from Europe, having averaged 14.2 points and 7.3 assists last season overseas. With his eligibility now resolved, Illinois adds a seasoned, mature point guard to its roster. What should Illini fans expect from him to start the season? From the preset to the future. Four-star high-school prospect Lucas Morillo has committed to Illinois as part of the 2026 recruiting class, over several major power schools. Morillo is a huge recruiting win: at 6’6, he's a versatile guard/wing, ranked top 50 in his class, who chose Illinois over UCLA, Texas, Marquette and more. He joins what is becoming a top-tier class with Ethan Brown and Landon Davis.

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The hometown guard is back and ready to lead. After transferring home and posting a breakout junior season, Kylan Boswell steps into his senior campaign with high expectations. Let’s dive into what to watch, what he needs to improve, and how his role can expand.Boswell averaged 12.3 points, 4.8 rebounds and 3.4 assists per game last season (2024-25) after starting 34 of 35 games.

The Fighting Illini cruised to a 92‑65 win in their exhibition opener, but it wasn’t just about the score — this game offered a lot of insight into what this team might become in 2025‑26.Coach Brad Underwood’s system appeared to be clicking — or at least being exercised — even without some key players, including Tomislav Ivisic, Andrej Stojakovic, Mhailo Petrovic and Ty Rodgers.Freshman forward David Mirkovic exploded in his Illini debut: 19 points, 14 rebounds, 6 assists. Unreal for a freshman in his first action. Also, transfer big man Zvonimir Ivisic looked legit too — 15 points, 5 boards and showcasing confidence.

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COLLEGE BASKETBALL IS BACK! Illinois takes on the Illinois State Redbirds in an exhibition matchup tomorrow! This in-state showdown will give fans a first look at the 2025-26 Illini squad before the regular season tips off.Head coach Brad Underwood confirmed that four players, including Ty Rodgers, Tomislav Ivišić, Andrej Stojaković, and Mihailo Petrović will be out for this exhibition, impacting the team’s rotation and giving others a chance to step up and shine.What will you be looking forward to seeing from the Illini in this one?Also, this is my first show in a few months, so I'll address that and the future of this show. Tap in with Cody Delmendo for the first episode of Season 3 of From Beyond Champaign.SUPPORT CODY

Over the weekend, Zvonimir Ivisic committed to Illinois in a not so shocking fashion. He will come and play in Champaign with his brother Tomislav. How can the two co-exist on the court and can Brad Underwood and his coaching staff unlock the potential everyone raved about headed into his first season at Kentucky? Zvonimir averaged 8.5 ppg, 4.3 rebounds, and 1.9 blocks per game with Arkansas. Tune in with Cody Delmendo and Locked On Illini host Sunny Verma for this edition ofFrom Beyond Champaign.

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If you don't win the championship, the season always ends in a loss. That has once again happened to end another Illinois season as they fell 86-75 to the Wildcats. Kylan Boswell had one of his best games, Tomislav Ivisic did his part, Tre White had some moments but Kasparas Jakucionis and Will Riley together had off games and in the end didn't have enough to help Illinois get to the Sweet 16. Full reaction from Cody Delmendo on this edition of From Beyond Champaign and the future of the show this offseason.Follow me on social: https://linktr.ee/cody_chgo?utm_source=linktree_profile_share<sid=57a7a1fc-1320-448b-ab67-826c6a71f624